In most cases, we can avoid dental emergencies by practicing good oral hygiene. However, research has shown that the older you get, the higher the chances of getting a dental emergency. That is because teeth tend to wear out as we get older, thus making them prone to damage and tooth decay. This article will highlight the types of dental emergencies and how dental fillings can be used for their treatment.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem that results in severe pain or bleeding in the mouth. Pain and bleeding in the mouth mostly occur due to tooth damage. If you experience any of the symptoms above, we advise you to visit a dentist near you for emergency dental services.
Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a procedure that involves the insertion of filling materials such as amalgam and resin into the hole of a tooth suffering from decay. This procedure is necessary to restore its structure and function, thereby preventing further damage to the tooth.
Before your dentist can proceed with treatment, the damaged tooth will need to be prepared for filling. Preparation is necessary to ensure all decays in the tooth have been completely removed and free up space for the filling material.
Types of Dental Fillings
Silver Amalgam
This type of filling is not only made from silver, as the name suggests, but comprises a mixture of silver, copper, zinc, mercury, and tin. The combining of different metals allows for a strong and durable filling. If properly installed, silver amalgams can easily last for more than 12 years before it needs to be replaced. That has made it a popular choice for those looking to fill molars, which are hardly visible and require strong fillings to handle the pressure from chewing.
Composite Filling
Composite fillings are dental fillings made from a mixture of plastic and resin. The dentist will place the filling on the damaged tooth, shape it and then harden it using a curing light. Although not strong as silver amalgam, composite fillings are strong enough to handle chewing of soft food. Since resin is natural-looking, it is commonly used by patients looking to fill their frontal teeth. In general, composite is more costly compared to silver amalgam. That being said, you must avoid biting on hard objects and practice good oral hygiene if you want to increase its lifespan. With proper aftercare, composite resin can easily last for more than 8 years before needing replacement.
Ceramic Filling
Ceramic fillings, also referred to as inlays, are fillings made from porcelain material. Porcelain material offers durability while allowing the dentist to color it, thus making it more attractive and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, ceramic fillings are more advantageous because they provide more resistance to stains and abrasion than composite resin. However, the main disadvantage of using ceramic fillings lies in its brittle nature, requiring the dentist to create more space for fillings.
Advantages of Dental Fillings
Repair Fractured Teeth
Your tooth can crack or chip due to trauma when you engage in a contact sport, chew on hard objects or accidentally fall. When your teeth get fractured, they become weak and susceptible to more damage. Therefore, you must prevent additional damage to your teeth by seeking urgent dental care.
Protection From Decay
Before your teeth experience decay, food particles start collecting on small holes in your teeth. These holes serve as a breeding ground for food particles; if left uncleaned, these food particles will later manifest to bacteria. Therefore, when you go for regular dental checkups, your dentist will use dental fillings to cover these holes and protect your teeth from decay.
Strengthen Tooth Structure
When your teeth are decaying, their strength and structure get compromised. That is because bacteria forming on the teeth will eat through the tooth structures responsible for anchorage and support. These structures can be reinforced and strengthened to withstand the pressure from chewing and protect your tooth from further damage through tooth fillings.
Conclusion
Modern dentistry allows for the correction of major dental emergencies through dental fillings. In most cases, the damage on the tooth is correctable if you seek help from a dentist as soon as you start experiencing pain or bleeding in the mouth. Time is an important factor when seeking dental treatment; for the best emergency dentistry in Shavertown, PA schedule an appointment with Back Mountain Dental. We accept many payment options and insurance covers to make it flexible for you. In addition, the availability of sedation services means our patients get to enjoy quality dental care without experiencing pain.
